Epiclesis

Worshipers at Epiclesis were in for a real treat on the second Sunday of Eastertide this year. We had embarked upon a seasonal theme titled "With Burning Hearts" and came to the passage in Luke's gospel where the travelers on the Road to Emmaus have a remarkable encounter with the living Christ. Epiclesis Elder Donald Bowes, a wonderful, trained actor, wrote a delightful monologue, told from the perspective of one of the travelers, and shared it with the congregation this day. Enjoy!

On this second Sunday of Eastertide, Pastor Chris outlined a theme for the season, "With Burning Hearts," and took a look at what happened to the Apostle Peter between the mountain of Transfiguration and his amazing sermon on the Day of Pentecost. Did you know that the disciples had a foretaste of the giving of the Holy Spirit before Jesus was ascended and before the remarkable events of Acts 2?

On this Easter Sunday, Pastor Chris summed up the Gospel story, told how the world was turned right-side up again, and revealed the meaning of life. All in about 15 minutes. Sound intriguing? Join us!

On Palm Sunday, we brought our Lenten pathway series to a close with a look at Jesus' triumphal, and humble, entry into Jerusalem-- a pathway to God's glory. Along the way we also took a careful look at some details of Jesus' temptation, and His transfiguration, that seemed to all come together in that remarkable day when He rode into the Holy City.

During the Season of Lent, our church has been focusing on finding pathways through trying circumstances. On the last Sunday of Lent, our attention turned to the idea of hope being a pathway through grief. Pastor Chris' guest in the service was Epiclesis member Terry who has been given a diagnosis of cancer. Terry shared with the congregation the story of her journey thus far, and gave some highlights of what she's learned about forgiveness and healing. Join us for this powerful story of a personal, spiritual resurrection.

On this Sunday during Lent, and as we looked at the remarkable passage in John's Gospel where Jesus healed the man born blind, we talked about shadows and the path that leads through them. The man's physical blindness seems to have been instantly healed, but his spiritual sightedness is not too far behind. And what a path he walks-- and shows us-- as he leaves the shadows behind.

Dr. Jennifer Harris Clayton was the guest on this episode of Ancient-Future Faith talking about her ministry-- and passion-- for helping wounded worshipers. Jennifer is developing a ministry called "The Wounded Worshiper Sanctuary" that seeks to help church staff and lay persons alike who have been hurt or traumatized by the church.

Along the way during Lent our church is looking at various paths that we walk-- and today's journey took us on the path through longing. The passage was a familiar one-- Jesus with the woman at the well. Have you ever seen marriage or betrothal imagery in that amazing encounter? And what different kinds of longings can you see in the story? Join us!

On this Sunday during Lent we continued our theme of Soul Keeping and took up the topic of humility-- and how humility is the path through self. In the story of Nicodemus, we often think about his nighttime visit to Jesus in terms of his fear of discovery. But what might some positive aspects of a nighttime humility be? Ultimately, Nicodemus practiced both a nighttime and daytime humility. Join us and find out why!

In this episode of Ancient-Future Faith, Douglas Hafso was the guest, calling in from chilly Edmonton, Canada, to talk about his membership in the Ancient-Future Faith Network and his interest in worship renewal.